A Detroit police officer shot and killed a 7-year-old gir during a raid on her home by a special unit that was being shadowed by a reality television show crew. Officer Joseph Weekley was charged involuntary manslaughter charge from the death of Aiyana Stanley-Jones. Aiyana was on a sofa on the first floor of a two-family home when Detroit police tossed a flash grenade through a window and burst through the front door. Detroit police have said Weekley’s gun accidentally discharged after he was bumped or jostled by the girl’s grandmother. A film crew with the A&E Network’s “The First 48” crime reality cable TV show was shadowing Detroit police on the raid. “The First 48” tracks murder investigations during the first two days after a slaying, and Aiyana’s death put a spotlight on the growing number of reality shows focusing on law enforcement.

The state of Michigan announced the charges after concluding their investigation into the shooting, which took place back in 2010. The shooting led to protests in the community, because some have said that officers were overzealous due to the presence of the cameras.

2 responses to “Detroit: 7 year-old Girl Shot and Killed During Filming of The First 48”

Right, his gun discharged because he was “bumped or jostled by the girl’s grandmother.” The things they say to try and get police officers off. He probably went in there shooting. Shoot first, ask questions later. So sad.
I guess that’s one case they won’t need 48 hours to solve.